Upon hearing this, Guo Wanqiu's face drained of color, and she tilted her head back to ask, "What do you mean by that, Your Highness...?"
Although the royal family had not yet issued an imperial decree for the marriage, the Guo family had always believed that the marriage with the Crown Prince was an unspoken agreement.
Upon hearing Pei Xuan's words, the Guo family members' expressions changed.
If a Crown Princess could be produced, it would be a huge benefit to the family and even the collateral branches. Moreover, given Pei Xuan's current power, the Guo family would be the Empress's maternal family at the future succession ceremony.
Everyone says the Guo family's luck has turned around, and today's birthday banquet is several times more lively than in previous years.
Upon hearing this, even Grand Secretary Guo swayed slightly.
The Guo family members surrounded Guo Wanqiu, creating complete chaos.
Pei Xuan paid no attention and left the courtyard directly.
Pei Tang was in a good mood, but when she thought about how the Guo family's marriage had been ruined, she couldn't help but raise her eyebrows and whisper to Jiang Wan.
"That Guo Wanqiu is too insidious. She hid in the back and let Cui Yingying be the one to stick her neck out. Luckily, she didn't succeed!"
"That's good now. Father and Mother value character the most, so they will definitely not consider the Guo family again! My brother has also gotten his wish and doesn't have to marry her."
Jiang Wan asked, "What, Your Highness, didn't you take a fancy to Miss Guo?"
When Pei Xuan went to the palace last time to listen to the Empress's opinion, it seemed that he did not object to this marriage.
"Of course, my brother already has someone he likes, so he wouldn't be interested in Guo Wanqiu."
Pei Tang skipped and hopped.
"It's still early, how about we go to the dessert shop in the west of the city for some soup? I'm in a good mood today, it's on me."
Jiang Wan said, "Princess and Your Highness, please go together. I have matters to attend to at home, so I must take my leave now."
Pei Tang pouted and shook her arm: "No, it's rare for me to leave the palace, I want to talk to you for a while."
"How about I come sit in your courtyard for a while? It's a coincidence, I haven't seen my junior brother in a long time."
She looked at Pei Xuan.
"Brother, you should go back to the palace first."
Pei Xuan said calmly, "My mother wants me to keep an eye on you, otherwise if you cause trouble, she will hold me responsible."
Having said that, Jiang Wan could no longer refuse.
Pei Xuan and his companion, not wanting to draw attention, abandoned the carriage from the Eastern Palace and boarded the general's carriage directly.
The carriage stopped at a side gate without disturbing anyone.
Jiang Wan led the two directly into Xingzhi Courtyard, ordered people to serve tea and snacks, and then retreated to the inner room under the pretext of changing clothes, where she summoned Cai Die.
"How's things going at Luhetang?"
Cai Die looked anxious and said, "Madam guessed correctly, it seems something happened to the old lady! At noon, Wu Mama hurriedly sent someone to the clinic, but the old lady's usual doctor, Dr. Li, was not there, so they had to go to the palace to ask for the imperial physician. This back and forth took a lot of time. The imperial physician said... the old lady's condition is not good, and we should be prepared."
Jiang Wan asked, "Where is Song Lin?"
"Young Master Lin is discussing matters with someone in the front yard. I heard from Steward Zhao that preparations for the funeral have already begun."
Jiang Wan raised an eyebrow.
It seems that Song Lin has gone all out this time, and is almost certain of victory.
“Young Master Lin sent someone to find you this afternoon, and I chased them away as you instructed,” Cai Die said. “There are also people watching over Aunt Ru, so don’t worry.”
Jiang Wan nodded: "Her due date is approaching. Song Lin harbors a deep hatred for her. If things get chaotic in the manor, he might take action against her. Have Steward Zhao send more people over there."
As she spoke, she changed into a light purple pleated silk skirt with a subtle floral pattern and walked into the main hall.
"Your Highness and Princess, please sit for a moment. I heard that my grandmother is unwell, so I need to go to Luhe Hall to visit her."
Pei Xuan looked up, his expression revealing no surprise, and nodded to her.
Jiang Wan arrived at Luhe Hall.
Several imperial physicians were gathered outside, looking at the prescription with furrowed brows. Granny Wu stood to the side, her expression extremely anxious.
As soon as Jiang Wan entered, he hurriedly came forward to greet her: "Madam Jiang, you've finally arrived!"
How is Grandma?
"This is not good." Granny Wu said in a low voice, her face full of grief, "The imperial physician said that the old lady's symptoms... seem like poisoning."
Jiang Wan glanced at her: "Really?"
Her gaze was light and casual, but Wu Mama felt a sudden tremor in her heart. She steadied herself before saying, "This old servant dares not speak recklessly about the imperial physician's diagnosis. Young Master Lin has already gone to the front courtyard to inquire, saying that he must find the thief who poisoned the old lady, and it would not be an exaggeration to tear him to pieces!"
Jiang Wan sneered inwardly.
The matriarch was on the verge of death, and Wu Mama, her most trusted servant, did not stay in the inner room to serve her, but instead waited for her outside.
That's quite unusual.
"Really?" Jiang Wan said. "I heard that the Gu family has already started preparing for the funeral?"
Granny Wu wiped away her tears: "It was the imperial physician who said that the old lady's condition is not optimistic..."
Jiang Wan nodded: "In that case, I'll go back and make some preparations too."
Granny Wu was taken aback: "Madam, aren't you going in to see the Old Madam?"
“Even the imperial physicians are helpless, what can I, a mere woman, do?” Jiang Wan sighed. “Don’t worry, I will definitely make sure to arrange a grand funeral for my grandmother.”
"You!" Granny Wu's face changed, and she stammered, unable to speak.
Seeing that Jiang Wan was about to leave, Wu Mama's face showed anxiety.
Just then, Song Lin arrived with his men.
He entered the Deer and Crane Hall with his head held high and chest out, followed by a group of servants and several white-robed guests.
Jiang Wan, with her sharp eyes, immediately recognized Bi Yuan among them.
He blended in with a group of retainers, concealing his identity very well.
Jiang Wan glanced at Granny Wu and noticed that none of the people from Luhetang had ever seen Bi Yuan before.
"Madam Jiang, you've finally arrived. I have something important to discuss with you."
My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com